Phimosis but can be fully retracted - what's the situation?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Cao Zhiqiang

Introduction

Excessively long foreskin can lead to long-term accumulation of secretions between the foreskin and glans, causing mild adhesions. This presents as phimosis but with the ability to fully retract the foreskin, accompanied by symptoms such as localized itching and odor. Treatment involves daily cleansing with warm water and the use of erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, and compound cortex phellodendri lotion as directed by a physician, to prevent infection and promote separation of the adhesions.

Phimosis with the ability to fully retract may be caused by incomplete pubertal development, congenital tightness of the preputial orifice, long foreskin accompanied by mild adhesion, chronic balanoposthitis, or phimosis associated with diabetes. If abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Incomplete pubertal development: During adolescence, the genital organs are still developing, and the adhesion between the foreskin and glans has not fully separated, which may manifest as temporary phimosis that can be fully retracted. With age progression and maturation, symptoms often resolve spontaneously without specific intervention.

2. Congenital tight preputial orifice: Congenital factors may result in reduced elasticity and a smaller diameter of the preputial opening. Although full retraction is possible, there may be a noticeable feeling of tightness, which falls within the category of mild phimosis. Daily gentle preputial stretching exercises under medical guidance are recommended, avoiding excessive pulling that may cause injury.

3. Long foreskin with mild adhesion: Excess foreskin can lead to long-term accumulation of secretions between the foreskin and glans, causing mild adhesion. This may present as retraceable phimosis, accompanied by local itching, odor, and other symptoms. Treatment involves daily cleansing with warm water and application of erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, or compound cortex phellodendri lotion as directed by a physician to prevent infection and promote separation of adhesions.

4. Chronic balanoposthitis: Recurrent infections may lead to chronic inflammation, with inflammatory stimulation causing fibrous tissue proliferation at the preputial orifice, resulting in retraceable phimosis accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain of the foreskin. Typically, physicians may recommend the use of clotrimazole cream, miconazole cream, or potassium permanganate solution to control infection.

5. Diabetes combined with foreskin lesions: Poor glycemic control in diabetic patients predisposes to local infection and chronic inflammation of the foreskin. Long-term inflammation may lead to fibrosis and narrowing of the preputial orifice, causing phimosis accompanied by recurrent infection and ulceration. Treatment typically involves insulin injection, metformin tablets, levofloxacin capsules, and other medications under medical supervision to control blood sugar and combat infection.

In daily life, maintaining local cleanliness and dryness, avoiding frequent friction and irritation, and regularly monitoring the condition of the preputial orifice are recommended.

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How to resolve phimosis with entrapment on one's own

In general, after the occurrence of paraphimosis, manual reduction, cold compress to reduce swelling, application of lubricants, gentle traction of the foreskin, and adjustment of body position may be attempted to relieve the condition by oneself. However, these measures are only applicable to mild cases without significant ischemia. Paraphimosis is a medical emergency, and self-management is only suitable for the early stage of onset and cases with mild symptoms.

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Can a person with phimosis have sexual intercourse?

Whether individuals with phimosis can engage in sexual intercourse depends on the specific circumstances. If the phimosis is mild and there are no significant discomfort symptoms in daily life, sexual activity may generally be acceptable. However, if the phimosis is severe or accompanied by symptoms such as pain or abnormal urination, sexual intercourse is usually not recommended to avoid worsening symptoms or causing other complications. To maintain reproductive health, individuals with phimosis should practice proper hygiene and care in daily life.

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How much does the surgery for concealed penis cost?

The surgical treatment for concealed penis is a therapeutic approach that corrects penile encapsulation issues and improves local function through surgery. The general reference price range is 3000–9000 yuan. Gradual recovery usually takes 2–4 weeks post-surgery. The exact cost depends on factors such as the surgical method, regional economic level, preoperative examination items, postoperative care requirements, and the type of surgical consumables used.

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What should be done about a child's phimosis?

In general, phimosis in children may be caused by congenital narrowing of the preputial opening, physiological phimosis before puberty, balanitis, incarcerated prepuce, or external urethral orifice stenosis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general care, medication, or surgical treatment. In daily life, children should wear loose, breathable cotton underwear.